Neymar still hopes to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but his chances of making Brazil’s final squad currently appear uncertain. The 34-year-old has struggled badly with injuries over the past few years, especially during his time at Al Hilal, where he missed long stretches of football. With several younger attacking players now becoming important parts of the squad, Neymar is no longer guaranteed a place with the Brazil national football team.
In a recent social media exchange with journalist Bruno Formiga, the Brazilian star predicted a World Cup final between Brazil and Spain. Neymar backed Brazil to win 3-1 and even imagined himself scoring a goal and providing an assist in the match. After fans reacted to the prediction online, Neymar replied with a simple message: “You have to dream, right?”
Neymar’s career has been a rollercoaster of sublime talent and persistent injury setbacks. From his early days at Santos, where he burst onto the scene as a teenage sensation, to his big-money moves to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, he has consistently been one of the most gifted players in the world. His time at Barcelona brought a Champions League title in 2015, forming a legendary attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. However, after his record-breaking transfer to PSG, injuries began to take a toll, limiting his appearances and affecting his consistency.
The 2026 World Cup represents perhaps Neymar’s last realistic chance to lead Brazil to glory on the biggest stage. Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002, and the pressure to end that drought is immense. Neymar has often been the focal point of the team’s hopes, but his injury record has made him a liability. At the 2014 World Cup, he was injured in the quarterfinal and missed the infamous 7-1 semifinal loss to Germany. In 2018, Brazil were eliminated by Belgium in the quarterfinals, with Neymar struggling to impose himself. In 2022, he scored a brilliant goal against Croatia in the quarterfinals but missed a penalty in the shootout as Brazil were eliminated.
Now, at 34, Neymar faces perhaps his toughest challenge: proving he can stay fit long enough to be part of a World Cup squad. Since returning to Santos on loan from Al Hilal, he has shown flashes of his old brilliance. He has scored a few goals and provided assists, but he has also missed games due to minor muscle injuries. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has spoken about the situation, making it clear that reputation alone will not be enough for selection. Ancelotti praised Neymar for getting regular minutes again at Santos but stressed that only players who are fully fit and performing consistently will be selected for the World Cup.
Ancelotti’s stance is understandable. Brazil boast a wealth of attacking talent, including Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Raphinha, and rising stars like Endrick. Neymar’s experience and creativity are valuable, but they come with a high risk of disruption. The coach must balance the emotional and commercial pull of Neymar’s name against the practical need for reliable performers. In recent friendlies, Brazil have experimented with younger forwards, and the results have been promising.
The predicted final against Spain adds another layer of intrigue. Spain have rebuilt under Luis de la Fuente, winning the Nations League in 2023 and playing dynamic, possession-based football. A Brazil vs Spain final would be a classic clash of styles: Brazil’s flair and individual brilliance versus Spain’s collective control and tactical discipline. If such a final materializes, it would undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated matches in World Cup history.
Neymar’s prediction has sparked debate among fans and pundits. Some believe he is being overly optimistic given his current fitness struggles. Others admire his belief and note that his talent, when fully fit, can still change games. The 3-1 scoreline he predicted suggests a competitive match, with Brazil overcoming a strong Spanish side. Neymar imagining himself as the star performer reflects his confidence and desire to make a decisive impact.
The 2026 World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Brazil and Spain are both among the favorites, but the tournament is notoriously unpredictable. Other strong contenders include Argentina (the defending champions), France, England, and Germany. The expanded format with 48 teams means more matches and more opportunities for surprises.
For Neymar, the next few months are critical. He needs to stay healthy and deliver consistent performances for Santos. If he can do that, he will give Ancelotti a difficult decision. Brazil’s attacking depth is such that leaving out a fully fit Neymar would be controversial, but including an injury-prone player could weaken the squad’s stability.
Neymar’s legacy is already secure as one of Brazil’s greatest ever talents. His 79 goals for the national team rank him second only to Pelé. However, World Cup glory has eluded him. The 2026 edition may be his last chance to lift the trophy that has defined Brazil’s football identity. His prediction of a final against Spain, and a 3-1 victory, shows he still believes.
As he said, “You have to dream, right?” Dreams are powerful, and Neymar’s career has often been driven by a childlike joy for the game. Whether that dream becomes reality depends on his body holding up and on Ancelotti’s final decision. The world of football will be watching closely as the tournament approaches.
Source: Yahoo Sports News